Luke Kennard Trade Looks Even Better as Former Lakers Guard Hits New Low The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move before the trade deadline by acquiring Luke Kennard in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick. The sharpshooter has quickly become a valuable asset for the team, addressing a critical need for a reliable floor spacer. Vincent, who struggled to adapt to the Lakers’ system, has since fallen further behind in Atlanta, making the trade appear increasingly beneficial for Los Angeles. Vincent, a 6'2" guard signed in 2023 after a strong season with the Miami Heat, was expected to contribute as a 3-and-D threat. However, his performance with the Lakers was inconsistent, with limited minutes and a low shooting percentage. His struggles continued in Atlanta, where he has shot just 20.1% from beyond the arc in seven games. The Hawks, in need of shooting, have moved Vincent to the fringes of the rotation, giving him fewer opportunities to showcase his skills. The Lakers’ decision to trade Vincent was driven by the need to improve their perimeter shooting, a weakness that plagued them before the Kennard acquisition. Prior to the trade, Los Angeles ranked 23rd in 3-pointers made and 21st in long-range percentage. Kennard’s arrival has already made a noticeable difference, with the team climbing to second in 3-point percentage and 18th in threes made in just 13 games. His ability to consistently hit from deep has forced opponents to adjust their defensive schemes, creating open opportunities for other Lakers players. Kennard’s impact has been particularly evident in his efficiency from beyond the arc, where he is shooting 52.5% on 40 attempts. His presence has allowed the Lakers to maximize their offensive potential around Luka Doncic, providing a reliable option to stretch the floor.#lakers #luka_doncic #atlanta_hawks #gabriel_vincent #rob_pelinka
JJ Redick Reveals Unique Aspect of Luke Kennard’s Contribution to Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers made a strategic move before the NBA trade deadline by acquiring sharpshooter Luke Kennard in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange for veteran guard Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick, the Lakers secured Kennard, a player known for his shooting ability. While the trade wasn’t as high-profile as last year’s blockbuster acquisition of Luka Doncic, it addressed a key need for the Lakers: improving their outside shooting efficiency. Kennard’s impact with the Lakers has been immediate. In his ninth game with the team, he delivered his best performance yet, scoring 16 points while contributing three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He shot 6-for-10 from the field and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Kennard’s contributions during a post-game press conference, highlighting how the player has adapted to the team’s system and elevated his game. Redick emphasized that Kennard has found his rhythm in Los Angeles, outperforming his previous averages with the Hawks. In nine games with the Lakers, Kennard is averaging 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His shooting percentages are also impressive, with a 64.8% field goal clip and 45.8% three-point accuracy. These numbers have earned him the trust of the coaching staff and teammates, solidifying his role as a reliable offensive weapon. The Lakers’ brass has long sought to bolster their perimeter shooting, and Kennard’s ability to consistently hit from distance aligns with their goals. His presence on the court not only provides scoring options but also creates space for other players, allowing the team to operate more fluidly.#lakers #jj_redick #atlanta_hawks #gabriel_vincent #luke_kennard
Luke Kennard is already threatening to lead the Lakers in one crucial category Luke Kennard was brought in to make it rain from beyond the arc. The new Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooter has done just that 11 games into his stint in Hollywood. Kennard has been so effective that he is already pushing to be the statistical leader in one key category for the Lakers. It is not secret to anyone in Los Angeles that the second unit has been incredibly ineffective in 2025-26. The Lakers rank 29th in the NBA when it comes to bench scoring, only outpacing the Houston Rockets in that category. The poor scoring efforts have left the team lacking in another category too. The Lakers rank 29th in the NBA when it comes to 3-pointers made from their bench, only placing higher than the woeful shooters of the Orlando Magic. This area has been so lacking throughout 2025-26 that Kennard is already well on his way to being the team leader from any individual player. Kennard has appeared in 10 games off the bench for the Lakers. In those outings, the veteran sniper has pocketed 15 made 3-point shots. That puts him halfway to Dalton Knecht, who leads the category with 30 made triples as a part of the second unit for Los Angeles in his 45 appearances. Luke Kennard is quickly becoming the Lakers' most dangerous bench threat At his current pace, Kennard would be projected to overtake Knecht in about 10 more games played. There is one caveat that could make that journey more challenging, though. Rui Hachimura is known to be a threat from the perimeter for the Lakers. Hachimura has also been moved back to the bench permanently for some time now. Rui is tied for second on the team with Gabe Vincent from 3-pointers made off the bench with 28. That number is not going to sit still.#lakers #gabriel_vincent #dalton_knecht #rui_hachimura #luke_kennard
